Syphilis outbreak in Qld claiming unborn babies

Doctors are warning that a disease outbreak is claiming the lives of unborn babies across the state, with the worst death toll this century.

Doctors are warning that a syphilis outbreak is claiming the lives of unborn babies across the state, with the worst death toll this century.

The outbreak of the disease that began in Queensland’s northwest is now widespread, and Greater Brisbane is now a hot spot.

Last year four Queensland babies died from congenital syphilis, which occurs when a baby is infected with the disease in the womb by their mother.

Doctors fear worse may be to come.

Mater Mothers’ Hospital obstetric medicine and infectious diseases specialist Jill Parkes-Smith said increased screening for sexually transmitted infections was needed to bring the outbreak under control.

Syphilis is spread via sexual contact from person to person, including via oral sex, and can be protected against by condom use and dental dams. It can be screened for by a blood test.

“People think syphilis is a historical disease and there’s a real stigma attached to it,” Dr Parkes-Smith said.

“Unfortunately, syphilis cases are on the rise and the disease can have few symptoms.

“With four congenital deaths in the past year in Queensland and case numbers increasing, it is likely we will see more deaths if something doesn’t change.

“Tragically, it is likely that all of the congenital syphilis deaths we saw last year could have been prevented if the disease had been detected earlier.”

The rate of infectious syphilis cases in Queensland increased nine-fold from 3.1 to 26.4 cases per 100,000 people per year between 2001 and 2023.

The outbreak began in the state’s northwest, but rates are currently highest in Far North Queensland, Central Queensland and parts of Greater Brisbane.

Syphilis can be easily cured with penicillin, but if left untreated it can lead to a variety of neurological problems including hearing loss and visual disturbances.

Congenital syphilis can also be successfully treated if detected early, but the risks of abnormalities and stillbirth increase as the pregnancy progresses, if left untreated.

Experts believe the outbreak is being fuelled by several factors, including: a decrease in condom use; barriers to accessing health care, especially in rural and remote areas; the use of dating apps; and a possible increase in the number of men who have sex with both men and women.

Case numbers are increasing among both non-Indigenous and Indigenous Australians.

“People who are sexually active should consider being screened if they have a new sexual partner, they haven’t had a test before, have symptoms or have concerns,” Dr Parkes-Smith said.

“Some groups, including pregnant women, will need more frequent testing.”

Dr Parkes-Smith highlighted that increased screening of women of child-bearing age and their partners is key and she is encouraging GPs and other clinicians to increase screening requests for high-risk patients, including pregnant patients.

“Our caseload of syphilis in pregnancy has increased significantly and it’s disheartening because the best time to treat a patient is before they conceive,” she said.

“I have already seen more deaths from congenital syphilis than I ever expected to see when I became an infectious diseases physician.

“We have to get the message out there. The time to act is now.”